Long Beach R-2-A Two-Family Residential (Accessory Second Unit) District
The R-2-A District in the City of Long Beach is designed to preserve the existing character of single-family neighborhoods while allowing for the addition of a small second unit, typically located at the rear of the lot. This district requires a minimum lot area of 6,000 square feet and limits the secondary unit to a maximum of 800 square feet or 12 percent of the total lot area, whichever is greater [Section 21.31.020]. Development in the Long Beach R-2-A District is restricted to a maximum height of 25 feet and two stories [Table 31-2A].
Purpose and General Character
The primary intent of the R-2-A District is to create and enhance residential areas that accommodate a specific lifestyle need: maintaining a primary single-family home while providing a secondary housing option on the same property. This district implements Land Use District No. 2 of the Long Beach General Plan [Section 21.31.020.I].
The character of the R-2-A District is defined by its "accessory second unit" restriction. Unlike the standard R-2-N district, which allows two full-sized units, the R-2-A District explicitly restricts the second unit to a smaller scale to ensure the property retains a predominantly single-family appearance and function [Section 21.31.020.I].
Permitted Land Uses
The City of Long Beach specifies which uses are allowed by right (Y), allowed as accessory (A), subject to an administrative permit (AP), or subject to a conditional use permit (C) within the R-2-A District.
Residential and Institutional Uses
| Use Category | Permission Level |
|---|---|
| Single-family detached | Y |
| Single-family attached | Y |
| Duplex (Two-family dwelling) | Y (Subject to size limits for the second unit) |
| Accessory Dwelling Unit (Conforming) | A |
| Transitional Housing | Y |
| Supportive Housing | Y |
| Home Occupation | A |
| Mobile Home Park | C (Only for unsold spaces) |
Public, Park, and Other Uses
| Use Category | Permission Level |
|---|---|
| Passive Parks | Y |
| Playgrounds | IP (Interim Park Use Permit) |
| Recreational Parks | AP |
| Urban Agriculture | AP |
| Child Daycare Home (1-14 persons) | A |
| Daycare Center (15+ persons) | C |
[Table 31-1]
Residential Development Standards
All structures in the Long Beach R-2-A District must adhere to specific density, intensity, and placement standards to ensure compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Units Per Lot | 2 |
| Minimum Lot Area | 6,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Area Per Unit | 3,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 50 ft. |
| Minimum Front Yard Setback | 15 ft. |
| Minimum Side Yard Setback | 4 ft. (subject to narrow lot standards) |
| Minimum Rear Yard Setback | 20 ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 25 ft. / 2 Stories |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 60% of lot |
| Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 0.60 |
| Minimum Usable Open Space | 6% of lot area per unit |
[Table 31-2A]
Special Restrictions for Second Units
In the R-2-A District, the "two-family" nature of the lot is strictly regulated by unit size. According to Long Beach Municipal Code, one of the two units (specifically the rear unit) is designated as the accessory unit and must not exceed 800 square feet or 12 percent of the lot area, whichever is greater [Table 31-1, Note (c)]. This ensures that the secondary unit remains subordinate to the primary residence.
Sections Cited
- Section 21.31.010 - Residential Districts: Purpose
- Section 21.31.020 - Districts established
- Table 31-1 - Uses in Residential Zones
- Table 31-2A - Residential Development Standards